How the Human Resource Practices of Chinese MNEs in Africa Create Economic Growth and Livelihood Options

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze the economic development impact of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in developing countries. In particular, the relationship between MNEs' developmental effect on economic growth and poverty reduction and their use of human resource management (HRM) practices will be examined. The regional focus will be on Chinese MNEs in Africa. The paper is conceptual in nature by analyzing relevant key literatures, investigating cases of Chinese MNEs in Africa, and finally deriving a systematic conceptual framework.

Adoption of Modern Hive Beekeeping Technology: The Case of Kacha-Birra Woreda, Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Beekeeping is one of the livelihood options available to Ethiopian farmers. The objectives of this study were to analyze the level of adoption of modern hive technology by farmers and to identify the variables influencing the adoption of modern beekeeping hive technology in Kacha-Birra Woreda. Primary data were collected from 89 respondents chosen using a multistage sampling process, while qualitative data were collected through focus group discussion and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using a binary logit regression model and descriptive statistics. According to the results of the model, several factors, such as the educational level of the respondents, the size of the land, the extension, the contact, and the access to financing and market, had a substantial impact on the adoption of modern hive beekeeping technology. It is suggested that the Livestock and Fish Resource Development office develops a strategy to help the community's illiterate members benefit more from the use of contemporary hive beekeeping technologies, develops a strategy to benefit farmers who have large land sizes with modern hive beekeeping technology, establishes extension contact with farmers before technology innovation leads to better adoption of technology, and strongly advises to link a strategy with micro-enterprises. Promotional activities focused on preventing the access to the market of respondents that must ensure their active participation in adoption.

Farmers’ Distress Index: An Approach for an Action Plan to Reduce Vulnerability in the Drylands of India

Farmer distress is a widely recognized problem in India induced by multiple causes ranging from climate variability to price volatility and the low risk-bearing ability of farmers. Tracking farmers’ distress in a localized context is a prerequisite for timely action to provide sustainable livelihood options. Therefore, a field survey was conducted with 640 dryland farmers of 10 sub-district units from two states in India with the aim to identify the major indicators based on seven dimensions of distress and to construct a multidimensional Farmers’ Distress Index (FDI) at the farmer and sub-district levels. The FDI was built with seven dimensions of distress: exposure to risk, adaptive capacity, sensitivity, mitigation and adaptation strategies, triggers, psychological factors, and impacts. The study developed a broad-based FDI which can be used as a planning tool that can address the causes of farmers’ distress and also evolve measures to tackle those causes. Based on the result, the study recommends a location-specific distress management package based on various dimensions of the FDI. The paper also suggests an upscaling strategy to identify and prioritize the highly distressed farmers as well as sub-district geographical units by tracking a few sets of variables.

Strategies of the village community to survive in a changing environment: survive or change

Traditional ecological knowledge becomes difficult to apply in areas where natural resources have been degraded. This is experienced by people living on degraded peatlands in Tumbang Nusa, Central Kalimantan Province. They are confused to determine the appropriate livelihood. This paper aims to analyse the community’s understanding of peatlands and the causes of their destruction, as well as livelihood options to survive on degraded peatlands. Data are collected from 24 randomly selected families and analysed descriptively qualitatively. The analysis shows that the respondents are aware that their peatlands have been degraded and the reason is the unsuitable program that is applied on peatlands. Options for survival can be grouped into two. Around 58% of respondents remain on their ancestral livelihoods and do not cultivate on the peatland, and 42% of respondents chose to occupy the peatlands. They farm on peatlands with considerable risk, raise livestock and do business. Some are still catching fish in the river. Respondents’ choice of livelihood bases on their knowledge of peatland, calculation of potential failure, family’s economic capacity, and outside assistance. The study recommends the importance of providing communities with knowledge about social and environmental safeguards to help them determine their livelihoods with minimal risk.

Community-Based Tourism as a Strategy for Building Climate Resilience in Bhutan

Governments in developing countries are exploring numerous ways to respond to climate change and build resilient communities and in this chapter, we examine if community tourism can be one of the alternative livelihoods. We examine the benefit of community tourism on rural poor in Bhutan using household census data from 2017. We compare households from the sub-districts that received community tourism with the households from the sub-districts that did not. We use propensity score matching methods to make sure that other than the presence or absence of community tourism programs; these villages are similar in observed characteristics. The results show that households from the sub-districts that received the community tourism programmes are 10% more likely to have more than the average number of rooms in their homes (i.e. 4 rooms) and about 5% more likely to own a vehicle. Most of the tourism initiatives in Bhutan are promoted in protected areas, and thus, it is likely that households’ dependence on the natural environment (like forest and water bodies) may reduce. Further, based on this evidence, it is also likely that community tourism may not only help poor households in terms of enhancing household income, but it may also provide alternative livelihood options in the poor villages where opportunities are limited.

Poverty and Education: Attainments and Challenges for Tribal Communities

Various educational policies and government initiatives at the national level in India have aimed at improving the literacy rate of the tribal communities. However, even after 73 years of independence, the literacy levels of the tribal people have not risen to the desired levels. On top, there is the issue of high dropout rates (Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Statistics Division, Government of India, 2013, Statistical Profile of Scheduled Tribes in India, https://tribal.nic.in/ST/StatisticalProfileofSTs2013.pdf ; 70.9%, according to a recent study) among the Tribals (Rupavath, 2016a, Review Pub Administration Management, 4, p. 183). In such a situation, it is important to find out why tribal communities are still lagging behind in the education sector. This study will deal with the various aspects of access to education for the tribal communities. It will also try to examine the linkage between poverty and education. This is considered important since literacy can mean much more than mere bookish knowledge. A literate person can be expected to have more awareness about matters of importance to him or her. On the employment front, a literate person can have wider livelihood options—and not be confined to pursue occupations which largely entail manual labour. At the same time, a literate person would know more about his or her legitimate entitlements and be in a better position to avail of these. It is one thing for the government to reserve vacancies for candidates belonging to the deprived sections of society. It is equally important for more persons hailing from these sections to know about these and utilize these. Education can be a means for such persons to optimally utilize the opportunities available to them. It is a proven fact that students learn better and retain more when they are active participants in the teaching–learning process. For the purpose of this study, two districts—Anantapur and Vishakhapatnam (in Andhra Pradesh), and Hyderabad district (in Telangana)—have been selected for a detailed examination. The study will include not only the availability of infrastructure but also participation of the tribal students in the classroom discussions. The study will utilize both purposive and random sampling methods.

Climate Change and Young People in Uganda: A Literature Review

The disruptions of anthropogenic climate change are increasingly severe. People living in sub-Saharan Africa are especially exposed to these risks, and amongst them young people. It is well established that climate disruptions have the potential to halt education, displace populations, and wreck infrastructure. This rigorous literature review focuses on climate change in the landlocked East African country of Uganda, demographically the world’s third youngest country, where young people struggle to get by due to insufficient work opportunities. Extended to other countries in the Eastern and Central African region, the review considers what is known about the intersection of youth livelihoods and climate change; young people’s susceptibility to climate disruption due to limited resources and livelihood options; and the constraints around their responses. The review findings suggest the need for substantial youth informed interventions to bolster young people’s economic resilience and adaptive capacity given the worsening climate change and prolonged population growth.

Sunflower Commercialisation in Singida Region: Pathways for Livelihood Improvement

Sunflower commercialisation in Singida Region, Tanzania has been successful. The successes include increased oilseed production, expanding processing capacity and declining rural poverty. Policies and efforts by development agents to promote sunflower commercialisation have increased the number of actors and service providers. Accumulation from sunflower and other enterprises, including livestock, have not only improved livelihoods, but also contributed to household economic diversity. This paper examines the interactions between activities involved in sunflower production and other livelihood strategies. For example, the paper examines local dynamics in policy and business contexts that have shaped livelihood options available and people’s choices of which option they undertake, and the corresponding outcomes, and reasons for such commercialisation trajectories. The study aims to inform local, regional, and national strategies, to pursue more inclusive and sustainable agriculture development, and widen options and pathways for men and women in Mkalama and Iramba districts of Singida Region.

Dwindling Fish Catch in Kwale, Kenya: Vulnerable Southern Coast Marine Fisher Communities and Alternative Sustainable Livelihoods

Marine fisher communities of Kwale in the South Coast of Kenya have, for generations, depended nearly exclusively on fisheries and fish-based livelihoods. In recent times, dwindling fish catch has threatened their livelihoods. Diversification of livelihood sources is touted as a potential remedy, but much less is understood about the available alternative sustainable options and their viability. This study examined the potency and viability of the alternative livelihood options for the fishermen communities. It used a cross-sectional descriptive survey design premised on mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyse the data from 346 randomly selected households. Emerging livelihood options with potency for adoption include apiculture, seaweed farming, agriculture, small business enterprises and mangrove conservation, among others. Preference is given to supplemental livelihood sources as opposed to alternative livelihoods. Implications for policy include the need for public extension services and training to invigorate households’ income.

Developing a Viable Cultural Heritage Tourism Site at the Tombs of the Masingo at Swongozwi: Lessons Drawn from the Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga, Kasubi, Uganda

The Northern Limpopo Province of South Africa is characterized by a number of natural, environmental and cultural heritage sites, which could be developed into sustainable tourism sites. These sites could assist formerly disadvantaged communities improve on their livelihood options. This study covers the cultural heritage site of the tombs of the Masingo dynasty of the Vhavenda. The site is located in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study used the model applied at the Baganda cultural heritage site at the Kasubi tombs in Uganda, where some Baganda kings (kabakas) are buried in what is known as the Muzibu-Azaala Mpanga. Historical critical analysis was applied to data collected through a qualitative literature study, key informant interviews, and site visits. The study found that, while Ugandans supported Kasubi being used for tourism purposes, the custodians of the Swongozwi site were not willing to make the site available for tourism development, or any other economic activities. Developing cultural heritage sites of indigenous African peoples should be informed by their attitudes to the protection of culture and identity, though it means that opportunities for poverty alleviation are missed. The result corroborated other studies conducted earlier amongst the Vhavenda.